As part of its yearly celebration since the 2004 restoration, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is providing the public with the opportunity to be taken on a guided tour of the saluting battery, the war HQ tunnels and all surrounding underground space at a reduced price.

A full gun salute will be taking place at noon, while guided tours are available at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. The tour takes roughly two hours due to the vast and historically rich underground space, at a cost of €5.

 The area covers an impressive 28,000 meters squared. FWA CEO, Mario Farrugia spoke of how the war headquarters were used by the knights to story artillery, and where then later used by the British, to protect themselves from air raids by enemy planes.

He went on to explain how during World War II, many important decisions were taken from inside the tunnel, such as Malta’s defence strategy. In addition to this, all convoys were controlled from the area.

While inside the tunnels, one can see the quarters of the various people who worked there, ranging from VIP quarters to accommodation of lesser ranked military staff.

One can also see the communications centre, a room used by NATO in 1969 during the cold war. The map could still be seen on the wall, where important strategic decisions were decided. This particular area also served the same purpose during World War II, where the original map can still be seen underneath the newer one.

Works on the tunnel are not yet fully completed, said Mr Farrugia.

“We are aiming that in 12 months time everything will be ready,” he added.

The origins of the saluting battery date back to the founding of Valletta in 1566. It continued to be used till 1954. Its purpose was for guns to be fired when greeting visiting dignitaries and ships. It was also used to announce important naval or military victories, the birth of royal princes in Europe and lastly to mark important state occasions.

One gun used to be fired to signal sunrise, noon and sunset.

Back in 2004, the battery was restored by FWA. It was partly financed through the European Regional Development Funds, the Malta Tourism Authority and the Bank of Valletta. It is known to attract some 700,000 people annually. Many consider it to be one of the most essential cultural attractions in Malta.